VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday that the club has acquired striker Anthony Blondell from Venezuelan Primera División side Monagas SC.

Blondell, 23, has agreed to an MLS contract through 2020, with a club option for 2021, and will be added to the roster with the use of Targeted Allocation Money. He will occupy an international roster spot and officially join the club's roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, work permit, visa, and medical examinations. Vancouver acquired the MLS right of first refusal to Blondell from FC Dallas in exchange for $50,000 of General Allocation Money.

“Anthony is a highly sought-after player with huge potential,” said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. “He’s an exciting young player with the key attributes you want in any forward player. He's strong, quick, and powerful. It will be important that we don't expect too much of him too soon, as he will be one of a number of additions we are looking at bringing in for next season, and will complement our existing group of attacking players.”

Whitecaps FC striker Anthony Blondell

Led the Venezuelan Primera División with 23 goals in 2017, helping Monagas SC capture the Torneo Apertura title and advance to the Torneo Clausura semifinal

Scored 33 goals in 70 starts and 115 appearances over six seasons in the Venezuelan Primera División

Made his senior international debut for Venezuela on November 13

“I am honoured to join Whitecaps FC and make Vancouver my new home,” added Blondell. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing in my homeland and now is the right time for a new challenge and to make the next step in my career. I look forward to scoring goals and helping Vancouver win trophies.”

The 6-foot-1 forward is coming off a successful 2017 campaign that saw him lead the Primera División with 23 goals in 33 starts and 37 appearances, while helping Monagas SC win the Torneo Apertura title.

The Cumaná, Venezuela native has spent the first six seasons of his professional career in his country's top-flight league, making his professional debut in February 2013 with Yaracuyanos FC at the age of 18. He moved to Zamora FC in 2014, helping his side win the Primera División titles in 2015 and 2016.

Including all competitions, Blondell has scored 33 goals in 70 starts and 115 appearances over six seasons in the Primera División.

Blondell recently earned his first cap for the Venezuelan men's national team in a friendly against Iran on November 13.